In response to an indefinite transport strike initiated by various trade unions in Tamil Nadu, Transport Minister S S Sivasankar assured the public that more than 90% of the state-run buses continue to operate smoothly. The strike, called by unions such as CITU, ATP, AITUC, Pattali Thozhir Sangam, and others, began on Tuesday, with demands ranging from enhanced wages to addressing pending DA for current and retired employees and filling vacancies.
Addressing reporters at the Koyambedu bus terminus in Chennai, Minister Sivasankar stated that the majority of the unions’ demands had already been met. He suggested that the strike might be politically motivated by the AIADMK, anticipating inconvenience to passengers leading to dissatisfaction in the upcoming elections.
As of Tuesday morning, data from the state government revealed that out of a total of 9,452 buses, 8,787 (92.96%) were operational. This includes buses from eight state transport undertakings (STUs), such as MTC Chennai, SETC, and TNSTC divisions in various regions. Notably, the Tirunelveli TNSTC division and SETC achieved 100% operational capacity.
Contrary to initial expectations of a unified strike, the ruling DMK’s Labour Progressive Federation (LPF) and Congress’s INTUC announced that their workers would continue operating buses, minimizing the overall impact of the strike.
In a bid to ease tensions, Minister Sivasankar expressed willingness to engage with the striking unions and even offered to visit their offices if necessary. However, he urged the workers to withdraw the strike, assuring talks after the Pongal festival to find an amicable solution.
R. Kamala Kannan of Anna Thozhir Sanga Peravai, representing the unions, reported that four rounds of talks, including discussions with the Labour Welfare Department and the transport minister, yielded no solutions to their six demands. He emphasized the urgency of releasing dearness allowance for retired workers and employees, costing the government Rs 70 crore, which remains unfulfilled.
Despite government statements indicating minimal impact, Kannan alleged that nearly 50% of workers did not report for duty. He claimed that the government compelled morning shift workers to take on additional afternoon shifts, resulting in uncomfortably packed buses and reduced service frequency. Allegations were also made that the government hired private workers and college bus drivers, potentially posing safety risks due to their unfamiliarity with buses and routes.
